Music is an important aspect of life at Denison. The curriculum combines theory and practice, and students from all academic disciplines participate in a broad spectrum of courses and ensembles, while students interested in a music major or minor gain the skills to excel in their area of concentration—performance, education, history, composition..

For the college’s course catalog, please visit the Courses section. For courses currently offered, please visit the Schedule of Classes.

Introduction to Music: Classical (MUS-101)

This course is an overview of western "art" music from the Middle Ages to present day. Emphasis is placed on the forms and styles of music categorized by historical periods and the composers' social environment. Extensive music listening is incorporated into the curriculum both in class and as assignments. The ability to read musical notation is not required.

Introduction to Music: Jazz (MUS-102)

This course will introduce students to the uniquely American art form Jazz, through a study of the musical contributions of its major figures. The course of study will include all styles of jazz, from early jazz (Dixieland) to the music of today.

Introduction to Music: World Music (MUS-103)

This course explores different approaches to music-making through the world by examining the ritual and social contexts, compositional techniques, performance styles, instruments, and learning traditions of different musical cultures. The course begins with an overview of musical terminology and ethnomusicological methodologies that can be applied to various types of global music. Subsequently, the course builds on this foundational knowledge by examining various case studies from around the world and comparing them to Western classical and popular traditions.

A historical survey of the evolution of musical style in Western Europe from the Medieval era through the Baroque. Understanding of musical notation is required.

Music History II (MUS-202)

A historical survey of the evolution of musical style in Western Europe and the United States from roughly 1750 to the late 20th century. Understanding of musical notation is required. Prerequisite: 104. (Offered spring semester)

Music Theory III - Methods of Analysis (MUS-204)

A survey of approaches to the formal analysis of music including the approaches of Rameau, Schenker, Forte and others. Prerequisite: 105. (Offered fall semester)

Conducting and Orchestration (MUS-206)

An introduction to conducting and orchestration. Students will compose, orchestrate and conduct original works of music. Prerequisite: 105. (Offered spring semester)

Music in America (MUS-214)

A survey of music-making in America from the colonial period to the present, including early American sacred, patriotic, and political music; musical theatre; and various popular and art music genres of the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly as influenced by the collision between European and African musical traditions. The ability to read musical notation is not required.

Popular Musical Theater in America (MUS-215)

This course studies both the antecedents to the American musical (18th century comic opera, blackface minstrels, the revue and vaudeville, and operetta) and the Broadway musical of this century, from Jerome Kern to Stephen Sondheim.

Sound Editing and Recording (MUS-216)

A study of audio recording focusing on acoustics, microphone techniques, live and studio recording techniques, editing, signal processing and production.

Computer Music (MUS-217)

An introduction to creating music with a computer, focusing on sequencing, sampling and direct synthesis.

Music and Globalization (MUS-219)

A consideration of the increasingly complex behavior of music in the modern (or postmodern) world. We will pay particular attention to the function of music: its uses, the ways in which it is part of - and helps to define - daily life for a number of diverse populations in a number of diverse locales, and the ways in which it is transmitted in a global culture. The ability to read musical notation is not required.

Women in Music (MUS-220)

Historically, women have played an integral role in musical traditions around the world, although the extent of their contributions has only recently been recognized and studied in an academic context. This course traces the development and current state of women's roles in music, including Western art music composers, performers, critics, and teachers: performers of popular American genres such as jazz, country, and rock; and performers of popular "World Beat" and traditional world musics. Cross-listed with WMST 220.

Computer Music II (MUS-224)

An exploration of advanced topics in computer music including interactive systems, algorithmic composition, granular synthesis, and others. Prerequisite MUS 217.

Music of the Baroque (MUS-225)

In this course, we will look at the development of Western Art music from the end of the Renaissance period through the careers of J.S. Bach and G.F. Handel, covering an approximate period of 1600-1750. Understanding of musical notation is required.

Classical Era: Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven (MUS-226)

This course will be devoted to a study of the work of the three principal composers of the classical era: Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven (early works). We will study the style characteristics, as well as the musical genres and forms employed. Understanding of musical notation is required.

19th Century Music (MUS-228)

A study of 19th-century Western art music, focusing on the genres of art song, piano music, symphonic music, chamber music, and opera, from late Beethoven to Debussy. Works will be considered in their historical and cultural context, as well as from the point of view of their musical characteristics. Understanding of musical notation is required.

20th Century Music (MUS-229)

In this course, we will look at the development of 20th century music idioms and compositional techniques with their larger political and cultural contexts. We will study individual works by composers as well as overall compositional trends. Understanding of musical notation is required.

The History of American Folk and Country Music (MUS-230)

"The History of American Folk and Country Music" is designed to broaden the students' knowledge of America's musical heritage through aural analysis of recorded and live music, as well as study of printed materials. In order to increase the knowledge of America's diverse musical heritage, students will be exposed to the contribution of European immigrants, African Americans, Hispanics, Franco-Americans and Native Americans.

History of Gospel Music (MUS-234)

This course will explore the historical development of African-American gospel music in the 20th Century. The course will begin an examination of the pre-gospel era (pre-1900s-ca. 1920), move on to gospel music's beginnings (ca. 1920s), and continue unto the present. The course will explore the musical, sociological, political, and religious influences that contributed to the development of the various gospel music eras and styles. Through class lectures, demonstrations, music listening, reading and writing assignments, students will learn about the significant musical and non-musical contributions of African American gospel artists and the historical development of African American gospel music. Students will also strive to gain an understanding of the African American musical aesthetic and to determine how it is retained and expressed with African American gospel music and other musical genres. The class is open to students, staff, and faculty of all levels.

History of Bluegrass Music (MUS-237)

Bluegrass has become one of America's most popular folk musics. The History of Bluegrass Music is a comprehensive course that traces this unique art form from its European and African roots, to the hills of Appalachia and beyond. The ability to read musical notation is not required.

The History of Rock Music (MUS-239)

This class explores a diversity of movements within rock music from the 1950s through the present. Central to this class is the music itself. Thus one key focus is on building a working knowledge of the musical language of rock (including elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, form, style). In addition, this is a class is historiography where we will investigate how history is created and contested through primary texts such as musicians memoirs and journalistic music criticism. Through these readings, we will discuss rock's relationship to its historical, cultural, and social context, paying particular attention to issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality in postwar US culture. The ability to read musical notation is not required.

Special Topics in Music Performance (MUS-241)

Special Topics in Music Performance is a course offering that deals with various aspects of performance within music.

Special Topics in Music Musicology/Music History (MUS-242)

Special Topics in Musicology/Music History is a course offering that deals with music with respects to its history, people, and culture.

Special Topics in Music Composition (MUS-243)

Special Topics in Music Composition is a course offering that deals with the creative aspects of music composition.

Special Ensemble in Musicianship Skills (MUS-244)

Special Ensemble in Music Theory is a course offering that deals with the musicianship aspects of Music Theory and Aural Skills.

Special Topics in Music Collaboration (MUS-245)

Special Topics in Music Collaborations are courses that do not fall within the other designations and are collaborative in nature. They may be courses within the department or in collaboration with other Denison departments.

Intermediate Topics in Music (MUS-299)

A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.

Junior Recital (MUS-301)

The Junior Recital is a 30 to 40 minute solo performance of appropriate concert literature selected in consultation with the private lesson instructor. Must be taken concurrently with Private Lessons.

Music in America (Majors/Minors) (MUS-314)

A survey of music-making in America from the colonial period to the present, including early American sacred, patriotic, and political music; musical theatre; and various popular and art music genres of the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly as influenced by the collision between European and African musical traditions. The ability to read musical notation is not required.

Music and Globalization (Majors/Minors) (MUS-319)

A consideration of the increasingly complex behavior of music in the modern (or postmodern) world. We will pay particular attention to the function of music: its uses, the ways in which it is part of - and helps to define - daily life for a number of diverse populations in a number of diverse locales, and the ways in which it is transmitted in a global culture. The ability to read musical notation is not required.

Women in Music (Majors/Minors) (MUS-320)

Historically, women have played an integral role in musical traditions around the world, although the extent of their contributions has only recently been recognized and studied in an academic context. This course will trace the development and current state of women's roles in music, including Western art music composers, performers, critics, and teachers: performers of popular American genres such as jazz, country, and rock; and performers of popular "World Beat" and traditional world musics.

Classical Era: Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven (Majors/Minors) (MUS-326)

This course will be devoted to a study of the work of the three principal composers of the classical era: Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven (early works). We will study the style characteristics, as well as the musical genres and forms employed. Understanding of musical notation is required.

19th Century Music (Majors/Minors) (MUS-328)

A study of 19th-century Western art music, focusing on the genres of art song, piano music, symphonic music, chamber music, and opera, from late Beethoven to Debussy. Works will be considered in their historical and cultural context, as well as from the point of view of their musical characteristics. Understanding of musical notation is required.

20th Century Music (Majors/Minors) (MUS-329)

In this course, we will look at the development of 20th century music idioms and compositional techniques with their larger political and cultural contexts. We will study individual works by composers as well as overall composition trends. Understand of musical notation is required.

The History of American Folk and Country Music (Majors/Minors) (MUS-330)

"The History of American Folk and Country Music" is designed to broaden the students' knowledge of America's musical heritage through aural analysis of recorded and live music, as well as study of printed materials. In order to increase the knowledge of America's diverse musical heritage, students will be exposed to the contribution of European immigrants. African Americans, Hispanics, Franco-American and Native Americans.

Music and Sexuality (MUS-332)

Considers the impact of a composer's or other musical artist's gender and sexual orientation on his or her creative output by addressing questions such as: Is there such a thing as a queer aesthetic or sensibility in music? What, if anything, do gender or sexual orientation have to do with musicality? Do the gender or sexual orientation of a composer or musical artist matter to listeners? What impact does a musical artist's gender or sexual orientation have on his or her ability to get his or her music performed? And how have the answers to these questions changed over time?

History of African American Gospel Music (Majors/Minors) (MUS-334)

This course will explore the historical development of African-American gospel music in the 20th Century. The course will began an examination of the pre-gospel era (pre-1900's-ca 1920), move on to gospel music's beginnings (ca. 1920's), and continue onto the present. The course will explore the musical sociological, political and religious influences that contributed to the development of the various gospel music eras and styles. Through class lectures, demonstrations, music listening, reading and writing assignments, students will learn about the significant musical and non-musical contributions of African American gospel artists and the historical development of African American gospel music. Students will also strive to gain an understanding of the African American musical aesthetic and to determine how it is retained and expressed with African American gospel music and other musical genres. The class is open to students, staff and faculty of all levels.

History of Bluegrass Music (Minors) (MUS-337)

Bluegrass has become one of America's most popular folk musics. The History of Bluegrass Music is a comprehensive course that traces this unique art form from its European and African roots, to the hills of Appalachia and beyond. The ability to read musical notation is not required.

The History of Rock Music (MUS-339)

This class explores a diversity of movements within rock music from the 1950s through the present. Central to this class is the music itself. Thus one key focus is on building a working knowledge of the musical language of rock (including elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, texture, form, style). In addition, this is a class is historiography where we will investigate how history is created and contested through primary texts such as musicians memoirs and journalistic music criticism. Through these readings, we will discuss rock's relationship to its historical, cultural, and social context, paying particular attention to issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality in postwar US culture. The ability to read musical notation is not required.

Special Topics in Music Performance (MUS-341)

Special Topics in Music Performance is a course offering that deals with various aspects of performance within music.

Special Topics in Musicology/Music History (MUS-342)

Special Topics in Musicology/Music History is a course offering that deals with music with respects to its history, people, and culture.

Special Topics in Music Composition (MUS-343)

Special Topics in Music Composition is a course offering that deals with the creative aspects of music composition.

Special Topics in Musicianship Skills (MUS-344)

Special Ensemble in Music Theory is a course offering that deals with the musicianship aspects of Music Theory and Aural Skills.

Special Topics in Music Collaboration (MUS-345)

Special Topics in Music Collaborations are courses that do not fall within the other designations and are collaborative in nature. They may be courses within the department or in collaboration with other Denison departments.

Directed Study (MUS-361)

Directed Study (MUS-362)

Independent Study (MUS-363)

Independent Study (MUS-364)

Advanced Topics in Music (MUS-399)

A general category used only in the evaluation of transfer credit.

Senior Recital (MUS-401)

The Senior Recital is a 50 to 60 minute solo performance of appropriate concert literature selected in consultation with the private lesson instructor. Must be taken concurrently with Private Lessons.

Senior Project (MUS-402)

The Senior Project is a composition or research project in the emphasis of the music major (composition, computer music or music history) to be selected and completed in consultation with the appropriate area instructor.

Andrew Carlson has performed as a soloist and as a chamber musician throughout the United States. Of his 1998 Merkin Hall performance the New York Times wrote, “Mr. Carlson is a demon fiddler and his performance here was serious and concentrated.” He has earned both a MM and BMUS from the University of Georgia and a DMA in Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa. While earning his DMA, he was the recipient of the Iowa Performance Fellowship and the Pelzer Competition Fellowship. As a soloist he has performed with orchestras including The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, The Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra, The Ohio State University Marching Band, The Huntington West Virginia Symphony, The Welsh Hills Symphony, The Land of Legend Philharmonic, and The University of Iowa Symphony. Andrew has studied with Leopold La Fosse and Thomas Joiner.

An active teacher, Andrew has previously served as a faculty member at Morehead State University and the Preucil School of Music. He has served as a faculty member at Suzuki institutes including Ithaca, NY, The University of Memphis, Capital University (Columbus, OH), and South Carolina (Furman University). Currently a Professor of Music at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, he teaches violin, conducts the chamber orchestra and directs the bluegrass ensemble. He also serves as the Concertmaster of the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to his experience as a classical violinist, Andy began learning traditional fiddle music from his grandfather at age 5. He has won numerous fiddle contests and has twice been named the Georgia State Champion Fiddler and was named the 2000 Ohio Grand Champion fiddler. His book entitled “A Guide to American Fiddling” has been published by Mel Bay Publishers, Inc. As a studio musician and string arranger he has recorded for Warner Bros., Atlantic, Elektra, Geffen, Polydor, and Capricorn and with artists including R.E.M., Nanci Griffith, Billy Bragg, and the Cowboy Junkies.